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How to Treat an Ear Infection in Your Dog

Your dog's ears are important. They allow them to know when
it's time for dinner, respond to your voice and help understand what is happening
around them. Ear cleaning can seem like a messy chore, but the importance of
this grooming task cannot be overstated. Due to their long “L” shaped ear canals
it’s difficult for debris that gets in to work its way back out, resulting in a
breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Therefore, by regularly cleaning your
pups ears it will keep them healthy and problem free.

Common Causes of Ear
Infections

1. Similar to people, when dogs go for a swim, they
can accumulate water within their ears. As the configuration of their ears
differs from humans it can make it more difficult for water to escape. The
moist environment created is a favorable environment for yeast and bacteria,
which can then lead to the development of an ear infection.

2. Inflamed and irritated skin are typical signs of
an allergy in dogs, and the skin in the ear is not immune to the changes. An
allergy, whether contact, inhalant, or food will influence the condition of the
inner ear and surrounding skin.

3. Although all dog breeds are susceptible to ear
infections, those with floppier ears are more likely than their shorter-eared
counterparts to suffer problems. Moisture is a necessary ingredient for many
infections, and the floppy ears on some breeds prevent proper air circulation.
No circulation means no evaporation, meaning the moisture trapped in their ear
provides the perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria growth.

Signs

Shaking of the head

Persistently scratching at ears

Abnormal amount of wax build up

Redness inside of the ear

Bloody, brown, or yellow discharge

Hair loss around the ear

Swelling, crusting or scabbing around or on the
ear

Loss of balance, or excess shaking or tilting of
the head

Unusual eye movement

Walking around in circles

Which Ear Cleaner to
Use?

As there are various types of ear cleaners on the market it
can be hard to know which one if best for your pup. The most important thing to
remember is to only use good quality do ear cleaners and to never use olive
oil, vinegar, shampoo or any other substance in your dog’s ears; they’ll thank
you later! We recommend using the new RSPCA Ear cleaner as a once off or
regularly on dogs with wax build up. This product is designed to remove crust,
dirt and scales around the ear canal. It effectively dissolves oils, waxes and
debris in the ear canal leaving your pet with a clean, comfortable and fresh
ear.

How to Clean

Simply apply a few drops to the ear canal and gently rub the
base of the ear, then wipe the interior of the flap with a swab moistened with
the ear cleaner. Ensure you are gentle and do not put the swab into the actual
ear canal. This can be done once off or regularly, depending on your dog.